E N L A R G E M E N T 
OF  CHRIST’3  KINGDO^r, 

THE  OBJECT  OF  A CIIRFiTIAN’s 
PRAYERS  AMD  E X E R T I O X S. 


A 


DISCOURSE, 

DELIVERED  in  the  DITTCH  CHURCH, 
IN  ALBANY; 

BEFORE  THE 


NORTHERN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 
IN  THE  STATE  OF  NEW-YORK, 

AT  THEIR  O R G A X I Z A T I O X, 
Fes.  14,  1797. 


Bv  JOHN  BL^IR  SMITH,  D.  7). 
President  of  Union-College,  at  Schenectadt. 


. A/. 


SCHENECTADY ; 

FEINTED  EV  C.  F.  V/VCKOFF,  IN  GTATE-STlUiii'**. 

1 7 97- 


y 


At  a mating  oj  the  Northern  M.ijJionary  Society  in 
the  State  of  Nezu-York,  at  Albany,  Feb.  14,  1797* 

"O  E SOLVED,  that  the  thanks  of  this  Soci- 
ety  be  given  to  the  Reverend  John  B. 
Smith,  Prefident  of  Union  College,  for  his  ex- 
cellent Sermon  delivered  at  the  organization  of 
the  Society,  and'  that  a copy  be  requefted  for 
publication. 

ExtraB  from  the  Minutes, 

JOHN  BASSETT,  Secretary. 


r O THE 


NORTHERN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 


IN  THE  STATE  OF  NEAV-YORK, 


Tkc  following  Dijcourje 


DELIVERED  and  PUBLISHED 


AT  THEIR  REQUEST, 


IS,  WITH  GREAT  RESPECT  DEDICATED 


By 


The  AUTHOR. 


A D V L R T 1 S E £ N T. 


-fc.  ^iiL.fuufti:r.cc  nf  the J'ollo’Jiin^  Rffcourfe  "Ji'ns  deliv- 
er/I at  the  or^anL  atir-n  cf  tie  Noi  tlieni  IViiflionarr 
Society  in  the  llntc  cf  IN’ e\v- York,  atnl  is  no'.vJubn:itted 
to  the  perttfal  end  candor  of  the  public.  The  Author, 
vuoccrp.ouicd  to  the  puhlication  of  his  thoughts  in  this 
r.anner,  has  •■jcrtturtd,  u ith  great  rcluBiir.ee,  to  comply 
•xith  the  reqncfl  of  his  friends  upon  the  prefent  cccafto.:. 

'J  he  fiihjecl,  indeed,  is  fufficieniiy  important  to  demand 
repeated  attention  from  Cbrifiians  ; and  it  was  certainly 
fuited  to  the  dfign  of  the  meeting  at  which  it  wms  hand- 
led ; but  it  is  fo  fimiliar  and  common,  that  it  was  not 
prefumed,  it  could  now  be  clothed  W'ith  fueb  appendages, 
as  would  render  it  reriarlahly  intere fling  in  the perujal. 
On  this  ground  principally , the  Author  was  diffident  in 
committing  to  the  prefs,  what  was  intended  only  for  a ftn- 
gle  hearing  on  a particular  occefon.  However,  he  has 
beer,  induced  to  rcfgn  the  difpofal  of  it,  to  the  judgment  of 
the  Society,  whofe  piety  and  %cal,  no  doubt,  have  inclin- 
ed them  to  hope,  that  even  common  topics  and  arguments 
on  filch  a fubjeci,  might  he  vfefulio  the  mafs  of  readers. 

When  the  difeourfe  was  delivered,  the  author  had  com- 
pofed  nothing  more  than  fhort  notes  of  its  principal  parts  ; 
and  having  been  prevented  from  writing  more  fully  for 
feveral  months  afterwards,  by  fcknefs,  extreme  dehi'.ity, 
and  numerous  indifpenfalile  engagements,  he  hopes  to  be 
excufed  for  any  defepis.  Whatever fight  variations  may 

be  perceived  with  regard  to  the  prefent  illitf  rations  of  the 
fiihj'eci  when  compared  with  the  difeourfe  as  it  was preoch- 
ed,  he  can  afj'ure  the  reader,  that  the  fihfance  of  that 
difeourfe,  as  fur  as  it  was  penned,  or  could  he  afterwards 
recollcdcd,  is  now  given  to  the  public. 

The  whole  is  committed  to  the  hlejfing  of  Cod,  and  re- 
commended to  the  prayers  of  the  pious. 

Scliene&udy,  July  i,  1797. 


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A 

DISCOURSE,  &c. 


Math.  vi.  lo. — Thy  kingdom  come  ! 

CHRISTIANS  regard  the  objeftof  this  peti- 
tion as  a matter  of  the  hi^hoft  importance. 
It  is  their  ardent  deCre,  that  the  o’ivine  authority 
and  dominion  may  be  perceived  and  achnowleg- 
ed  throunhout  the  Univerfe  ; that  (he  kin  ;doia 
of  God  may  be  vilibly  and  exten lively  promoted. 
But,  efpecially,  their  regard  tor  the  glory  cf 
their  Lord  and  Savior  induces  them  to  pray, 
that  the  peculiar  di-'penfation  cf  the  kingdom  of 
grace  which  he  has  introduced  amongd  rebelli- 
ous men,  may  have  an  unobhruthed  progress. 
They  perceive  that,  in  this  way,  the  divine  cha- 
rader  will  be  moft  remarkably  difpiayed  ; the 
divine  foverei i^nty  will  be  mofl  efFeduaily  main- 
tained and  promoted  ; and  the  order  and  bap- 
pinefs  of  the  creation  be  befl  fecured.  Hence 
their  Chriflian  zeal  and  philanthropy  prompt 
them  to  an  earned  folicitude  with  regard  to  this 
great  objed,  which  excites  both  their  prayers 
and  correfpondent  exertions,  to  fecure  it ; to 
obtain  the  increafe  and  liability  of  the  Redeemer's 


C 8 ] 

kingdom.  In  this  petition,  therefore,  which 
foruis  a part  ot  that  model  of  prayer,  prefcrib- 
ed  by  our  Savior  to  his  difciples,  the  divine 
teacher  combines,  both,  the  duty  and  the  incii- 
i;ation  of  his  people  ; and  commands  them  to 
pray  for  that,  which  is  habitually  the  firfl  and 
dearefi  wifh  of  their  heart. 

Altho’  this  injundtion  of  our  Lord  w'as  addref- 
fed  to  his  immediate  dilciples  ; and  had  perhaps 
a peculiar  reference  to  the  intereh  which  it  became 
them  to  take,  wdth  regard  to  the  introdudion  of 
that  fpiritual  kingdom  which  had  been  early  pre- 
dicted, and  of  which  the  eriablilhinent  was  ex- 
pected under  the  Mefliah  ; yet  we  may  fairly 
]>reiume  that  it  has  a more  general  intention. 
The  analogy  ct  the  cafe  fufiicicntly  fhews,  that 
it  embraces,  within  its  diredlion,  Chrilliaus  in 
all  fucceeding  periods,  and  alludes  to  the  con- 
cern which  they  ought  to  feel  for  the  enlargement 
of  his  Church,  until  the  kingdoms  of  the  world 
become  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  of  his  Chrill. 
In  this  view,  therefore,  the  command  of  Chrifl 
extends  to  us  alio,  my  Jarethren  ; and  it  is  our 
indifpcnlable  duty,  to  promote,  with  carneffnefs 
and  zeal,  the  vilibie  advancement  of  his  king- 
dom amongfl  mankind.  That  you  regard  it  iu 
this  light  and  have  felt  the  force  of  the  ^injunc- 
tion, the  appointment  of  the  prefent  folemn  con- 
vention of  various  denominations  of  Chriflians, 
and  of  the  prefent  cxcrcife,  is  a lirong  indication. 

As  it  is  to  be  prefumed,  that  a pious  difpofi- 
tion  to  glorify  God,  and  to  fee  the  bltCcd  domi- 
nion (jf  Jefus  Chrid  over  the  human  heart  wide- 
ly diffufed,  has  produced  the  dcfirable  coalition 


T 9 ] 


and  concert  which  wc  perceive,  1 cannot  doubt 
of  tl)c  ferious  attention  of  this  alFcmbly  to  the 
prefent  dircufhon,  which  has  an  iininc- 
ciiaie  relation  to  thefe  great  objetds. 

It  is  no  part  of  my  dclign  on  the  prefent  oc- 
cafion,  to  explain  the  general  principles  of  that  , 
epneife  and  comprehenfive  form  of  prayer, 
Ifoin  which  I have  lelefted  the  text ; nor  to  en- 
large upon  the  connexion  and  circnnillanres  of 
our  l.orJ's  difeourfe  to  lus  DiCciples  when  be 
gave  them  this  direclory.  Neither  will  1 now 
liand  to  enquire,  whether  Chriftians,  at  this  pc- 
j^iod  of  th.e  Church,  can  ule  it  precifely  in  the 
fame  fen fe,  and  with  the  fame  rcterencc  as  the 
ApoTiles  ; nor  whether  they  ought  to  conceive 
th^nfelvcs  obliged  to  confider  it  as  a Uated  form 
in  their  culfoipary  atfs  of  devotion*. 

Confining  our  attention  hngly,  tlierefovc,  to 
that  importairt  objed:  which  the  wards  of  the 
texf  prclent  to  our  contemplaUon,  I propofe  in 
iJie  liiuflration  of  it, 

I.  To  fliew  what  is  implied  in  this  petition. 

II.  To  fuggefl  fome  confiderations  which 
ought  to  engage  us  habitually  in  the  ul'e  of  it. 

' III.  Point  out  thofe  meafures  which  will  bed 
demonftrate  our  iincerity  m that  prafHce.  • 

B 

* Perhaps  the  onaiffion  of  that  capital  eircumft-ance 
of  Chriilian  prayer,  the  alking  in  the  narne  of  Jefus 
hlmfelt,  which  was  afterwards  preferibed,  is  a fefiicicKt 
intimatiQii  of  oux  general  duty  upon  dhs  point. 


5 


C 10  ] 

I.  It  is  propofed  to  fhew  what  is  implied  ift 
this  petition. 

The  general  objeft  of  requeft  is  the  advance- 
ment ot  the  kingdom  of  God. 

This  phrafe  in  its  primary  and  mofl  extend- 
ed fenie,  denotes  that  univerfal  dominion  of 
God  which  embraces  all  ranks  of  being  and 
pervades  all  fpace.  The  kingdom  of  God,  in 
this  view,  has  been  eftabliflicd  from  the  begin- 
ning, with  incontrollable  fupcriority  and  glo- 
rious fovereignty  ; and  it  has  been  uniformly 
adrr  inidered  withfuch  confummate  wifdom,  as  to  ^ 

caufe  ever)'  part  of  the  complicated  machine  to 
fulfil,  eventually,  his  vaft  defigns.  It  is  not, 
therefore,  the  Ipecial  object  propofed  in  the 
text,  under  the  denomination  of  the  kingdom 
of  God  the  coming  of  which  was  to  be  fought 
by  prayer. 

But  the  -words  of  the  petition  have  a more 
inmiediate  lefercnce  to  that  peculiar  difpenfa-  4 
tion  of  grace  and  mercy  which  Jefus  Chrift  in- 
tioduccd  amongft  mankind,  and  which  was  in- 
tended to  Kcluce  them,  from  a ftate  of  rebel- 
lion, to  a cordial  fubmilhe-'n  to  the  divine  will 
and  management,  and  rule.  This  is  frequent- 
ly called  the  kingdom  of  God,  in  the  Scriptures;  - 
and  com.prehcnds  the  whole  plan  and  adminiftra- 
tion  of  ChiilL’s  mediatorial  office,  from  its  com- 
-mencement  to  its  confummation.  It  is  the  cm-  ' 

pire  of  Jeius  Chrift  over  the  heart  of  converted 
lirntrs  ; and  is,  therefore,  cxprelsly  denominated 
the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Savior  jeius 
Chrift.  wh.o  being  fupreme  in  the  adminiftration 
of  the  gracious  purpofesof  the  Deity,  with  re- 


C it  ] 


g.ird  to  fallen  man,  is_  filled  Kiafrin  Zion,  and 
lullains  tlic  chara£lcr  botli  of  a Savior,  and  a 
Prince. 

. 'I'his  is  a fplvitual  kingdom,  more  rcflrl£led 
in  its  nature. and  extent,  and  more  uniform  in 
its  appearance,  than  the  Univcrfal  Government 
of  God  which  has  been  noticed.  I'he  lubj\>cls 
under  its  fpecial  adminillration  and  protetlion,* 
conbll  of  reclaimed  finners  ; of  rebellious  foes 
lubdued,  by  uufpeakable  grace,  and  made  cor- 
dial friends  and  wdlling  fervants  of  their  adored 
Lx>rd.  Ignited  into  a holy  community  by  the 
^.inds-  of  a common  taith  and  love,  they  arc 
governed  on  peculiar  principles  of  purity  and 
holincls,  righteoulnels,  peace,  and  happlnels. 
Their  immunities,  blelfings,  and  privileges  are 
moll  ample  ?nd  delirable  ; and  thefe  are  enlar^-  « 
ed  and  lecured  with  glorious  advantages  toeter-p 
nity.  , ■ . i 

In. a word,  tfic  kingdom  of  God,  to  which? 
die  text  refers,  is  that  mediatorial  adminillration, 
which  was  received  by  delegation,*  and  which 
has  the  promife  of  a luccelslul  enablilhmcnt  and 
univerlal  prevalence  amongll  all. nations  of  the 
globe, t until  after  a full  accompli (hment  of  all 
its  purpofes,  it  fliall  be  terminated  by  a furren- 
der  to  the  eternal  father,  and  blended  wii.h  the. 
general  Government  of  God  over  all  holy  be-p 

To  this  peen’iar  kingdom  of  grace,  in  all  its 
connexions  and  coaitquenccs,  our  Savior  al’ud- 

• Matt:  xxvii.  i8,  f : vii.  13.  14. 

% i Cor:  XV.  24,  2S. 


C ] 


td,  when  I’.c  taught  his  difciplcs  to  pr.it^  for  its 
profperityi.  From  the  fliort  illuflration  of  its 

feneral  nature  and  charafter,  which  has  now 
cen  given  wfe  inay'eafi^y  pemitje  tvhat  is  im- 
plied in  the  petition  for  its  coming  or  prevalence 
in  the  world.  '• 

1.  It  is  obvious,  that  it  can  Tnean  nothinji  lefs 
than,  that  this  divine  difpenfatiOii'  may  have  its 
full  efFeft  upon  every  human  heart  ; that  it  may 
he  cordially  received  and  be  diffufed  throughout 
the  v.'orld.  When  vre  pray  “ thy  kingd-om 
come,”  we  exprefs  an  camefl  defirc,  that  the 
word  of  truth,  or  the  preaching  of  the  Gofpel 
which  is  called  the  rod  of  God’s  power*;  may,’ 
through  the  Almighty  energy  of  ihe-invincible 
fpirit  of  the  Lord,  fubdue  theproiid,  revolting 
foul  of  man’,  and  reduce  myriads  of  oppofing 
finners,'  in  every  nation  of  the  h;vbitahle  globe 
to  the  obedience  of  faith,  and  a happy  participa*» 
tion  of  the  privileges'of  Chrill's  peoprc;  “ We 
pray  that  the  kinedom  of  Chriftmay  he  advanc- 
cd.” 

It  is  mod  evident  that  the  dominion  of  Jefus 
Chrill  which,  accending  to  the  divine  promife, 
is  intended  to  be  very  extenlive,  has  hitherto 
obtained  but  a partial  eftablilhment.  My  hear- 
ers -will  at  once  rccolledl  immenfe  rec’ons  and  a- 
prodigious  population  where  out  bieli’ed  L.ord 
and  his  Golpel  arc  never  named,  or  named  only 
ior  the  purpofe  of  fcorn  and  infult : wherfe  his 

holy  atid  lelf-denying  fyftem,  humiliating  to 
human  pride  ; and  hoflilc  to  human  corruption, 


• * Pf.  CX.  2. 


[ *'3  ] 

is  rcjeftetl  with  abhorrence  by  thofe  ignorant, 
lerocious  or  voluptuous  children  ot  darknels. 

But  bc(id<2  the  nhllions  of  the  human  race 
who  are  profelicd  Infidels,  they  will  alfo  rtcol* 
left  witii  pain,  that  there  are  millions  more,  who 
are  only  nominal  i'ubjefts  of  our  Lord,  wlnMl 
in  principle  and  prafticc  they  are  utterly  oppoL 
td  to  the  Holy  Conllitution  v.  hich  he  has  or* 
ilained.  How  numerous  arc  the  Churches,  cal- 
led Chrinian,  which  have  introduced  and  clier- 
ifhed  luch  abominable  corruptions  of  the  reli- 
gion of  jefus,  as  have  changed  ite  very  nature  ; 
and  have  fortaken  the  Scriptures  lor  the  tradi- 
tionsof  men  ! What  numbers  alfo  belong  to  thole 
pernicious  and  increaling  fefts  wdiich  have  re -i 
nounced  the  fundamental  articles  of  the  Golpcl! 
Unhappy  crforifls-!  who  pretend  to  the  Chriltiaii 
name,  whilll  they  deny  the  moft  important  prin- 
ciples which  dillinguifh  thejr  proteffion  ; and, 
wlio  falfely  boaft  of  fuperior  fcience,  whilRthey 
rCifort  to  a pretended  phiidfophy  as  their  guide 
iuReadof  the  Scriptures  of  truth  ! 

But  even  ahrongll  thofe  who  profefs  to  regard 
the  facred  Scriptures  as  the  only  flandard  of  re- 
ligious tmth,  and  to  derive  their  principles  whoL 
]y  from  that  fource,  how  few  are  there  who  ap- 
pear to  embrace  the  Gofpel  in  its  native  fimpli- 
city,  and  to  aft  habitually  under  its  influence ! 
What  a fcanty  remnant  receive,  even  in  profef- 
fion,  its  unadulterated  dotlrines;,  much  Ids 
bear  an  open  teftimony  to  their  importance  ! 
And,  alas  !,  how  much  fmallcr  flill  is  the  num- 
ber, amongfl  all  denominations  of  Chriflians^ 
who  appear  to  pofiefs  the  Senpiurai  Characters 


I u ] 

o[  the  real  fubjecls  and  menibers  of  Chrlft’s 
bin.^dom  ! There  are  comparatively  few,  indeed, 
who  have  experienced  the  Savior’s  power  chang- 
ing their  hearts  into  his  own  likenefs;  who  are 
united  to  him  by  a living  faith  ; who  yield  a 
chearful  obedience  to  his  will  and  divine  inili- 
tutiorts,  in  their  true  Spirit  and  defign  ; who 
conicientioully  lubmit  to  his  difeipliae ; and 
live  to  his  glory  ! 

When  we  reflect  upon  thefe  circumRances,  ive 
perceive  that  Chrifl’s  real  followers,  a?e  Hill  but 
a little  flock.  • Tor  “ the  kingdom  of  God  con- 
fifts  not  in  word  only  but  in  power  alfo”'* ; not 
?n  a mere  formal  profelhon  or  acknowlegement 
of  Chrifl.  as  Lord,  but  in  knotving  a nd,chea;'f al- 
ly performing  his  wilit.  It  is  evident,  there- 
fore, that  the  prayer  of  the  petition  for  the  com- 
ing of  Chrift’s  kingdom  implies  an  eariiefl  defire, 
that  the  plain,  the  powerful,  the  praflical  truths 
which  the  Gofpel  reveals,  may  univerially  pre- 
vail ; may  produce  their  intendedi  effefts.  Jt 
implies,  that  wc  ardentl)'  foiicit  the  Almighty 
Spirit,  who  is  the  great  agent  in  the  cflablilh- 
jnent  of  the  empire  of  jelus  Chrifl  in  the  hearts 
of  men,  to  accomplifh  his  cffeclu.il  work  in  the 
mofl  extenfive  manner  : to  imprefs  a general 
convicllon  not  only  of  the  divine  Authority  of- 
t.he  Gofpel,  but  of  the  importance  of  thofe  pure 
dodliines  wliicli  are  eifential  to  its  conflitulion  ; 
to  “ take  of  the  things  of  Ciirifl,  and  flicw  them 
^ in  all  tlieir  confiflcnt  beauty  to  the  view  of  the 
mind  : to  “ w'ork  the  workof  faith  with  power”; 


* I Cor : iv.  20. 


I Mat:  vii.  21* 


[ <3  ] 

!o  exhibit  the  nature,  oflices,  relations  ami  glo- 
ry of  Chrid.  in  his  charr.flcr  of  the  Savior,  ir» 
tuch  a manner  as  elFe6tually  to  imlucc  multitudes 
to  accept  his  grace,  and  lubmit  to  his  gentle 
iway  ; to  create  the  world  anew  in  Chrift  Jelus ; 
niouldinsi  men  into  his  imac>e  and  forming 
them  after  his  pure  example  ; to  fend  forth  the 
oflicers  of  this  Ipiritnal  kingdom  fo  qualified  as 
that  they  fhall  be  holy,  able  and  faithful  men  ; 
animated  by  an  ardent,  iho’  pnident  zeal;  ‘‘  de- 
termined to  know  nothing  but  |efusChrifl  and 
him  crucified”;  adhering  to  the  firnple  doctrines 
of  the  Gofpol,  unadulterated  by  foreign  mix- 
tures ; “ not  preaching  themfelvcs  but  Chnfl 
Jefus  the  Lord”;  exhibiting  a venerable  pattern 
of  fpirituality,  and  evangelical  purity ; and 
preferving  impartial  ftridlnels  in  dilciplinc  and 
government:  in  a word,  to  engage  all  mankind 
to  become  Chriflians  ; fuch  Chriflians,  I mean, 
as  will  maintain  a converfation  becoming  the 
Gofpcl,  as  will  “ deny  ungodiinds  and  worldly 
lufts,  and  live  foberly,  righteoufly  and  godly  in 
the  prefent  evil  world  looking  for  the  blcfled 
hope  and  the  glorious  apoearing  of  Jefus 
Chnft*”. 

Thus  in  praying  for  the  advancement  of 
Chrifl's  kingdom  the  mind  ought  to  gralp  its 
fpiritual  and  true  nature,  and  ardently  defire  its 
univerfal  eflablilhment  in  every  human  heart, 
that  “ all  flefh  may  fee  the  Salvation  of  God.” 

2.  In  leeking  this  great  and  defirable  object 
k is  alfo  plainly  implied,  that  we  carneflly  pray 


Tit;  ii.  12,  rg. 


[ i6  ] 

for  the  removal  of  all  thofc  impediments  which 
obflrufl  the  pvogrefs  of  the  pure  GofpcU 
The  prejudices  of  Infidels  are  amongft  thq 
principal  of  thefc  obflacles.  Their  pride  op- 
poles  the  humiliating  lefTons  which  the  Gofpel 
enjoins  ; it  will  not  lubmit  the  high  prctenfions 
of  corrupted  reafon,  to  the  revealed  authority 
of  Gocl  himfelf.  Their  licentious  paflions,  are 
kindled  into  rage  agaiufl  a fyftem  lo  pure  as  to 
condemn  impurity,  even,  of  thought  or  defire. 
Both  united,  become  the  occafion  of  the  rnoll 
inveterate  op"pofiliot\  againfl;  that  kingdom  of 
righteoufnefs  which  is  hoflile  to  every  principle 
of  corrupt  nature.  Thefc  malignant  principles 
not  only  excite  in  the  brcafl  of  an  Infidel  the 
inofl  rancorous  hate,  but  prompt  him  to  difFufe 
the  Tiiofl  wicked  prejudices  againfl  its  authority- 
and  inlluence,  into  the  minds  of  others.  Hence, 
the  grofs  nulreprefentations  of  Chriftianity 
which  have  been  obtruded  upon  the  iv’orld; 
hence  too  it  has  fo  often  happened,  tliat  invec- 
tive has  been  fubflitutcd  for  argument  and  that 
raillery  has  been  employed  inltead  of  folid  rea- 
foning,  on  the  mofl  ferious  fubjedls.  By  fuch 
unworthy  means,  the  cfFe61;  of  deteflable  preju- 
dices. which  cannot  , be  fufficienUy  deplored, 
the  principles  of  thoufands  have  'been  corrupt- 
ed and  the  progrefs  of  Chrift’s  kingdom  im- 
peded. 

The  enormous  Cflions  of  fuperflition  alfo ; 
the  pompous  hierarchies  which  have  been  falli- 
dioufly  erefled  in  the  Chriflian  Church ; and  the 
tyrannical  impofitions  of  ccclcfiaflical  ellablifh- 
ments,  have  confiderably  obllru6lcd  the  increafe 


C >7  3 

of  real  religion  in  the  world.  Tjiefe  give  an 
odious  caricature  of  the  fyflcrn  which  Chnft  or- 
dained ; they  change  the  ground  of  genuine  faith 
and  religious  prattice ; and  they  Ihacklc  that 
fpiiitual  liberty  wherewith  our  Lord  has  made 
his  people  tree.  Wliere  thefe  prevail,  the  fim- 
plicity  of  the  Gofpel  is  loll  or  obicured  ; the 
power  of  God'inels  is  ufually  denied  ; and  the 
realonable  dilcharge  ot  duty,  troin  choice  and 
delight,  which  is  ctfential  to  ChriRianity,  is  aU 
moft  unknown.  It  is  obvious,  tiicrefore,  that 
whiltl  thefe  impediments  remain,  the  fuccefs  of 
the  Golpel  cannot  be  great. 

Again,  the  imperfections,  the  weaknefs,  or  the 
carnality  of  the  olhcers  and  private  members  of 
the  kingdom  of  Chrill,  prove  a greater  obllacle 
to  its  triumphant  progrefs,  than  all  the  realon- 
ings,  the  ridicule,  the  lophilms,  or  bi;  ter  inveQives 
of  avowed  Unbelievers.  The  religion  of  Jefus 
is-not  merely  an  admirable  {peculation,  but  was 
intended  to  produce  a practical,  ameliorating, 
moi'al  effetl  upon  thofe  who  embrace  it.  Any 
thing,  therefore,  which  contradifls  this  idea,  gives 
a deep  wound  toits  influence  upon  the  world. 
The  majority  of  corrupt  minds  poHefs  neither  fuU 
ficient  difeernment  nor  candor  to  diflinguifh  be- 
tween the  Chriftian  fyftetn  as  delineated  by  its 
holy  author,  and  that  diflorted  exhibition  ot  it 
which  is  feen  too  often  in  the  lives  of  its  minif- 
ters  and  other  profelfed  members.  For  this  rea- 
fon,  the  dilgufting  formality  and  negligence 
of  many  ot  thele  charaflers  ; th^irungod.y  and 
antichriftian  tempers  and  conduft  ; their  animo- 
lities  and  ielhih  divilions ; their  unfleadiuefs, 

C 


[ 3 

their  imprudence,  their  want  of  fpirituality  and 
clifintcrefled  zeal  for  the  caufe  of  Chrifl,  create 
fuch  agencral  fufpicion,  in  the  world,  to  the.dif- 
-advantage  of  vital  Chriftianity,  as  to  harden 
multitudes  in  a date  of  difaffcdion  to  our  glo- 
rious Lord,  and  render  the  means  of  convidlion 
comparatively  ineffectual. 

Under  a full  impreffion  of  thefe  lamentable 
truths  the  prayer  of  the  text  implies  a deep  concern 
for  the  removal  of  ail  thefe  obffrudlions  ; “ that 
Satan’s  kingdom  may  be  deftroyed” ; that  every 
oppofition  being  checked  or  abolifhcd,  the  GoL 
pel  may  have  a free  courfe  and  be  glorified*; 
and  “ that  the  earth  may  be  filled  with  the 
knpwlege  of  the  Lord,  as  the  waters  cover  the 
feat”. 

Again,  as  our  blcffcd  Lord  will  not  be  per- 
fedlly  glorified  on  earth  in  any  flate  of  his 
Church  ; and  as  his  people  will  not  be  intirely 
happy,  ’till  they  be  united  in  that  pure  Affembly 
of  the  Spirits  of  the  juft  made  perfett  which 
he  afftmbies  round  the  throne  ; the  prayer  of 
the  petition  may  imply, 

3.  In  the  laft  place,  an  ardent  defire  to  fee 
the  kingdom  of  grace  con fummated  in  the  king- 
dom of  Glory.  It  may  imply  the  an.xiety  of  a 
Chriftian’s  foul  to  fee  his  divine  mafter  in  all  his 
glory  forever;  to  be  delivered  from  every  imper- 
K’^ion  by  a full  conformity  to  his  living  head  ; 
and  to  be  brouoht  as  the  ranfomed  of  the  Lord 

O 

to  Zion  with  fongs  and  everlafting  joy  upon  his 


* I ThclT:  ill.  I. 


'j-  If;  II.  XU 


[ »9  ] 


hCcTd  ; when  he  {hall  obtaiti  joy  and  ^jladncfs,  and 
I'orrou’  and  fishing  fhall  flee  away”.* 

I have  not  particularly  noticed,  as  a dininfl; 
obie61  of  this  petition,  the  iucreaie  and  enlarge- 
ment of  what  is  commonly  called  the  vilible 
Church,  with  its  apparatus  of  Officers  and  pro- 
vilion  for  adminiflering  the  ordinances  ; becaiife 
lofaras  this  is  valuable,  it  will  always  corref- 
pond  in  extent  with  that  Spiritual  kingdom 
which  has  been  deferibed  ; and  where  it  is  fup- 
pofed  to  exifl  without  this  exaQ  coiTefpondence, 
it  is  rather  a nuifance  than  a benefit.  1 he  vifi- 
ble  Church  of  Chrifl,  ought  to  be,  from  the 
very  terms,  a plain  and  obvious  reprdentation 
of  his  kingdom  in  the  foul  and  condufled  ac- 
cording to  the  limple  pattern  Cvantaiiied  in  his 
word.  It  it  not  merely  the  having  a form  of 
worfhip  and  religious  order,  where  the  doctrines 
of  the  Gofpei  maybe  al'ubjeclof  carelefs,  gen- 
eral fpeculation,  or  the  Ordinances  be  loofely 
adminiflered  ; nor  is  it  the  union  of  profcilors 
of  Chrifl’s  name  in  religious  communities  for 
maintaining  the  external  inftitutions  ot  Chrifli- 
anity,  that  will  conflitute  a proper  vifible 
Church  ; but  it  is  the  conducling  of  thefo  ex- 
ternal circumftances  in  fuch  a manner  as  to  be 
happy  indications  of  the  power  and  p science  of 

* If.  XXXV.  lo.  The  weakrefs  or  tl.c  "bfence  of  faith 
may  caufe  men  to  cleave  to  this  iinperfe-rt  and  uiiU'ippj 
ftate  of  exigence,  and  to  fear  a change  into  a future 
Hate  as  the  v/orll  of  evils  ; but  a lively  Chrifl ia  i n^der 
the  clear  difeoveries  of  faith,  will  err,  “ Come  J.  rJ, 
Jefus,  come  q^uicklj”;  “i  delire  to  depart  ar.j,  to  be 
with  Chrifl.” 


C so  ] 

Chrift  %vith  his  ordinances  and  people.  To  re- 
gard any  other  exhibition  of  our  Savior’s  fub- 
jecls  and  Inftitutions,  as  the  vifible  Church,  is  a 
palpable  mi  Hake  ; it  might  rather  be  called  a 
vifible  oppofition  to  the  Spirit  of  the  Golpel, 
to  thecaule  of  religion,  to  the  kingdom  of  Chrift. 
We  are  concerned  to  pray  for  the  increafe  of  the 
T'ifible  and  external  appendages  of  Chriftianity 
only  fo  far  as  they  will  be  a juft  reprefentation 
to  all  the  world,  of  what  Jefus  Chrift  has  or- 
dained and  of  that  fupreme  dominion  which  he 
has  eftabiilhed  in  the  hearts  of  his  people.  No- 
thing but  this  exact  correfpondence  of  real 
Chriftianity  in  the  foul,  with  its  vifible  profef- 
fion  can  fufficiently  obviate  the  odious  charge  of 
hypoenfy  and  infincerity.  Nothing  but  this  is 
fui table  to  the  pure  and  holy  chara6ler  of  Chrift 
and  his  heavenly  fy  Item.  Nothing  but  this 
will  fave  him  from  being  deeply  wounded  in  the 
houfe  of  his  friends  ; or  from  being  charged  as 
the  Minifter  of  fin.  Finally,  nothing  but  this 
will  imprefs  conviction  upon  the  minds,  of  an 
obferving,  but,  unbelieving  world,  or  extort  a 
confeffion  from  their  lips  of  the  excellency  of  the 
Gofpel,  and  bear  down  all  oppofition. 

The  general  prevalence  of  thofe  inward  fpi- 
• ritual  impreffions  and  difpofitions  w'hich  have 

been  noticed  as  the  effect  of  Chrift’s  dominion  in 
the  fouls  of  men  ; and  ti  e external  regulation  and 
adininiftration  of  the  Church  in  conformity 
with  thefe,  is  that  coming  or  advancement  of 
his  kingdom  to  which  our  Savior  alludes  in 
this  petition.  This  is  that  efficacious  leaven 
whicb  will  eventually  penetrate  the  whole  mafs 


[ ] 

of  men  on  earth,  in  the  latter  days.  This  is 
that  powerful  domixiion  which  cafts  down  every 
hi^h  thought  and  lofty  imagination,  and  brings 
proud  rebels,  like  little  children,  to  lit  at  the 
Icet  of  )efus  and  learn  of  him  ; to  take  his 
crofs  ; tol'ubmit  to  his  yoke.  This  is  that  Hone 
cut  out  of  the  mountain  without  hands  which, 
according  to  the  declaration  of  a prophet,  “lhall 
nwer  be  deftroyed”;  but,  “ lhall  fill  the  whole 
earth  and  Hand  forever”.  For  the  coming  of 
this  kingdom  we  are  taugh  t to  pray  ; and  tor  its 
fuccel'sfui  pro^rds  and  triumphant  maniieftatiou 
evciy  pious  heart  ejaculate  a hearty  Amen, 

II.  To  fuggell  Tome  confi  derat  ions  which 
ought  to  enga^it  lis, habitually  m the  uCe  of  this 
petition,  wai  the  iecoad  General  Diviiion  of  the 
lubjetl. 

I.  The  glory  of  that  exalted  Lord  whom 
we  ferve  : and  the  honor  ot  iiis  divine  religion, 
being  intimately  concerned  in  the  event  to  which 
the  text  refers,  ought  to  excite  the  moft;  ardent 
prayers  tor  its  accomplilhment. 

This  refletdion  ought  to  move  us  beyond  a 
thoufand  other  arguments.  To  love  him  with 
all  the  heart,  and  to  prefer  him  before  the  dcarell 
objetl  on  earth,  is  the  cbarafterillic  of  real 
Chriflians*.  But  the  prayer  of  the  petition  is 
nothing  elfe  than  the  natural  exprellion  of  this 
fentiment.  If  he  appear,  to  the  enlightened 
View  of  faith,  fupreme  in  excellence  ; it  he  fill 

* Matt.  2.  37.  Luke  xiv.  16,  33. 


[ 22  J 

an  unrivalled  throne  in  the  afFcclions  of  his  re- 
deemed people ; they  cannot  fail  habitually  to 
pray  that  he  may  occupy  the  highefl  place  in  the 
afifeftions  of  all  mankind.  They'rviii  molt  ear- 
neltiy  defire  that  the  Univerlemay  perceive  and 
acknowle'^^e  the  excellence  of  their  Redeemer’s 

o 

character  and  work.  Do  they  behold  him  as  the 
brightnefs  of  the  father’s  glory,  full  of  grace  and 
truth  ? do  their  fouls  adore  him  as  the  e.xalted 
God-man,  v/ho  is  all  their  Salvation  and  all 
their  defire  ? and  can  they  forbear  to  wilh  and 
pray  that  all  the  v/orld  may  view  him  in  the 
fame  light  ? My  fellow  Chrillians  ! do  we  rea- 
lize our  flron^,  uncancellable  obligations  to 
his  generous,  his  unfpeakable  love  in  our  re- 
demption, and  will  we,  can  we  reft  fatisfied 
without  the  moft  enlarged  defires,  that  every 
human  being  may  experience  the  fame  grateful 
Icnfations  with  ourfelvcs  ? Is  he  not  the  chofen 
fove  reign  of  our  hearts  which  he  has  won  by 
love  and  fubdued  by  grace  ? Has  he  not  the  jull- 
eft  title  to  that  crown  of  praife  which  v/c  have 
placed  upon  his  head  ? and  (hall  we  not  habit- 
ually feek  his  exaltation,  in  the  enlargement  of 
his  blelied  kingdom  in  the  v/orld  ? It  is  impof- 
fible  that  we  fhonld  not  be  anxious  that  our  glo- 
rious Lord  may  fee  of  the  travel  of  his  foul  and 
be  fatisfied;  that  the  great  objefts  for  which  he 
lived  and  fuffered,  and  died,  may  be  accompiifh- 
ed  in  their  fulled  extent.  Surely  then,  wc 
ought  in  daily  prayer  to  fnpplicatc  in  the  Plalin- 
ift’s  words’*"  “ Gird  thy  Ivvord  upon  thy  thigh, 

•*  Pf:  xlv.  3,  4,  c. 


[ 23  ] 


“ O mod  niiglity  ! with  thy  g’ovy  anti  tiiy  ma- 
“ jcfly.  Anti  in  thy.rnajeity  ride  prolperouQy 
“ becaufe  of  truth  and  incckncfs  and  righteouf- 
“ nefs  : and  thy  right  hand  (hall  teach  thee  ter- 
“ riblc  things.  Tliipo  arrows  arc  lharp  in  the 
" lieart  of  the  king’s  enemies  ; whereby  the  peo- 
“ pie  fall  under  thee.” 

2.  The  peculiar  excellence  of  this  dilpcnla- 
tion  of  grace;  and  the  incalculable  benchts 
which  relult  from  it  to  mankind,  is  a coniider.ijt 
tion  of  great  importance  upon  this  fubjeft. 

The  Gofpel  is  a perfect  lyldem  of  trutli  and 
grace,  and  righteoufners.  d'here,  all  thole  doc- 
trines in  which  rational  creatures  are  intcreflcd 
and  with  which  they  ought  to  be  acquainted,  arc 
plainly  revealed.  Jelus  Chrill  is  that  divine, 
t.-eacher,  that  faithful  and  true  witnel.s  v/ho  has 
manifeded  tlic  nature,  charafter,  and  govern- 
ment of  God  in  the  mod  perfect  light.  Ilis 
Gofpel  unfolds  tlie  nature,  the  circurn dances,  the 
relations  and  the  duties  of  man.  It  difplays  the 
origin,  the  progrcls,  and  the  confumrnation  of 
all  things  which  relate  to  our  fpiritu.al  and  eternal 
datp.  It  exhibits  a jud  reprefentation  of  our 
condition  as  accountable,  guilty,  depraved  and 
ruined  creatures. 

It  publifiaes  the  adonifliing  method  of  our 
redoration  thro’  the  intervention  and  atonement 
oTCodmanifededinthe  defh;  and  the  fanclifying 
induence  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  It  opens  the  trea- 
fures  of  divine  grace ; difplays  them  in  all  their 
fulnefs  and  freenefs  ; and  dates  with  clcarnclk 
and  precifion  the  method  of  obtaining  all  faving 
bleUings.  It  explains  the  nature  of  acceptable 


L'  ^4  ] 

■worrhip,  and  teaches  the  of  acccfs  tn  the 
throne  of  grace.  It  unveils  futuritv  and  brings 
its  amazing  fcenes  to  light.  It  cfVablilhes  iho 
immortality  of  the  loul ; the  genera)  reiu  .-'  ec^ioii 
of  the  (lead  and  the  eternal  judgment.  It  points 
us  to  the  glorious  rewards  of  the  righteous  in 
the  confummation  of  holinefs  and  liappine^s  for- 
ever ; and  denounces,  in  terms  of  awful  import, 
the  wrath  of  God  which  fiiall  be  revealed  againft' 
all  ungodlinefs  and  unrighteoufnefs  of  men. 

Thefe  are  points  of  the  utmofl  importance  to 
creatures  in  our  circumflances.  They  are  points 
with  regard  to  which  the  fages  of  antiquity, 
guided  merely  by  the  light  of  unaided  realon, 
long  labored  with  fruitlefs  toil ; but  which  are 
now  clearly  and  fatisfaflorily  fettled  by  the  au- 
thority of  God  himfelf  in  the  divinely  attefted 
Gofpel. 

i5ut  if  the  Chriflian  Syflem  be  important  on 
account  of  the  truths  which  it  communicates,  it 
is  no  lefs  valuable,  as  a fyflem  of  duty  and  dif- 
cipline  for  moral  agents.  In  this  n peft  it  is 
corr.pletc;  it  tends  to  perfcfl  human  nature  and 
prepare  m.an  tor  intercourfe  with  his  pure  and 
holy  Creator.  No  ryllem  of  law,  of  Govern- 
ment, of  philofophy,  of  religious,  but  human, 
inflitutions  was  ever  fo  fnccelsful  in  producing 
moral  good.  They  all  re(le<l  co.nparatively  in 
fuperficials  ; but  this  reaches  the  heart,  at  once, 
where  all  our  coudu£l  originates  : it  explores  all 
its  avenues  ; it  fuvniflies  thc>fe  gran.l  and  lorci- 
ble  motives  wlucli  e.xcite  onr  arlive  powers;  it 
furnifhes  the  molt  perfect  and  exteufive  flandard 


[ 25  ] 

\ 

oF  dutv  both  with  regard  to  piety  and  morality  : 
And,  it  reveals  the  Almighty,  invincible  Spirit 
of  the  Lord,  as  an  effectual  agent  prompting 
to  duty  and  working  in  us  to  will  and  to  do  of 
his  good  plea  l ure. 

When  we  contemplate  the  peculiar  excellen- 
cies of  this  difpenfation  and  juitlv  Jtppreciate  its 
important  ad\>antages,  we  ought  certainly  to  feel 
lor  the  liiua'icn  of  thole  who  are  vinacquainted 
with  it.  The  Philanthropy  of  Chnllians  will 
induce  them  to  pray  with  importunity,  and  la- 
bor with  exertion,  that  all  mankind  may  fhare 
in  the  Ipiritual  bleffings  w'hich  they  enjoy. 
Grace  enlarges  the  heart.  It  loftens  our  rugged 
nature  into  generous  compaffion  for  human 
wretchednefs.  When  Chriftians  remember  their 
former  ignorance^  and  danger  ; when  they  recol- 
letl  the  wormwood  and  the  gall  of  that  milera- 
ble  ftate  from  which  they  have  been  delivered, 
they  cannot  but  feel  a fympathetic  concern  for 
thole  who  are  in  fimilar  circumftances.  Surely 
they,  cannot  be  infenfible  with  regard  to  the 
condition  of  thofe  perilhing  multitudes  who  Hill 
remain  in  the  region  and  Ihadow  of  death  from 
which  they  have  efcaped.  With  a mournful 
eye,  they  will  often  furVey  the  immenfe  valley  of 
dry  bones  from  v/hich  they  have  been  railed  ; 
‘and  w'ith  anxious,  aching  hearts  they  will  cry, 
*“  come  from  the  tour  winds  O Breath  and  breathe 
upon  thefe  flain  that  they  may  live.*”  They  will 
experience  the  greateff  anxiety  that  the  blelFings 
of  the  Golpel  may  be  realized  by  thofe  who  arc 
deftitute  of  them  : That  the  Geirtiles  who  are 

D 

• , * Ezek.  xxxvii. 


L 26  ] 

far  from  God  may  be  brought  nigh  by  the  blood 
of  Jelus  ; that  the  univerfal  corruption  of  the 
world  may  be  fubdued  by  the  purifying  fpirit 
of  grace,  and  that  the  holinefs  of  the  may  Gofpel 
fupplant  the  abominable  luffs  of  the  carnal  mind : 
that  univerfal  love  and  peace  may  prevail  ; when 
“ the  wolf  and  the  lamb  fhall  dwell  together*”; 
when  all  mankind  as  one  band  of  ranfomed  bro- 
thers, united  in  love,  “ fhall  have  but  one  heart 
and  one  wayt”  ; and  when  “ they  fhall  not  hurt 
nor  deffroy  in  all  God’s  holy  mountain^”. 

3.  Confider  how  much  our  own  happinefs, 
fpiritual  profperity  and  liability  would  be  pro- 
moted by  the  event  to  which  the  prayer  of  the 
text  refers. 

Whim  the  new  nature  which  the  Chriflian 
receives  in  Regeneration,  feels  the  force  of  that 
motive  which  is  derived  from  the  glory  of  God 
our  Savior  ; whilfl  his  focial  principles  are  in- 
fluenced by  a benevolent  regard  to  human  hap- 
pinefs  in  general  ; our  gracious  Creator  allows 
him  alfo  to  pay  a due  regard  to  his  own 
interefl.  This  will  be  befl  enfured  by  the 
general  profperity  of  the  Church.  When  mul- 
titudes embark  in  the  fame  caufe  with  ourfelves, 
it  infpires  confidence  ; it  often  produces  emu- 
lous exertion,  from  the  force  of  example  ; it 
infufes  alacrity.  Thefe  and  innumerable 
other  advantages  of  focicty  are  experienced, 
when  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  pleafed,  as  on 
the  day  of  Pcntecofl,  to  enlarge  the  kingdom  of 
the  Redeemer,  in  any  confidcrable  degree,  at  a 
given  time.  It  infpires  the  heart  with  unufual 


• If.  xi.  6, 


t Jer.  xxxii.  39.  t If.  xi.  9. 


C 27  ] 

deliglit  to  witnefs  the  triumphs  of  the  Crofs, 
It  Simulates  thefinccre  difciples  of  Chrift,  to  / 
peculiar  exertions  in  his  caufe,  when  they  per- 
ceive a vifible  fuccefs  attending  tlie  Golpel-mi- 
niflry.  A mutual  communication  of  experien- 
ces in  the  Chriflian  life,  which  is  then  very  com- 
mon, confirms  and  aflifls  the  members  of  the 
Church.  Miftakes  are  often  thus  detected  ; the 
heart  is  moved  by  fympathy  ; it  glows  by  the 
union  of  neighboring  fires.  Relieved  from  the 
irkfome  difficulty  of  finyle  oppofition  to  a hof- 
tile  world  ; or  a toilfome  march  thro'  a lonely 
defart ; the  Chrillian  is  cheated  by  the  counte- 
nance and  fociety  of  multitudes  engaged  againfl: 
the  fame  Ipiritual  enemies  that  he  oppofes,  and 
who  are  travelling  the  fame  road  to  the  heaven- 
ly Zion,  which  he  has  chofen.  He  is  encour- 
aged and  llrengthened  ; he  holds  on  his  way  re- 
joicing ; he  runs  without  wearinefs  and  walks 
without  fainting. 

Since  fuch  are  the  advantages  to  our  own 
fords,  my  Brethren,  from  the  enlargement  of 
the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chnfl,  we  are 
called  to  the  exercife  of  prayer  for  its  accom- 
plifliment,  by  one  of  the  ftrongeft  principles  of 
human  aftion.  Let  it  be  our  conftant  petition, 
then,  that  the  happy  time  may  loon  arrive,  when 
“ Zion’s  watchmen  fhall  lee  eye  to  eye*"  ; when, 
according  to  the  divine  promife,  “ The  inhabi- 
tants of  One  city  lhall  go  to  another,  faying,  let 
us  go  fpcedily  to  pray  before  the  Lord,  and  to 
feek  the  Lord  of  hoflst"  ; When  “ all  fliall 
know  the  Lord,  frorn  the  leaf!:  to  the  greatefL.^Ji" 

• If.  Ui.  8.  f Zech,  viii.  ao,  X viii.  ii. 


[ 28  ] 


4-  Confider  further,  the  encouragement 
which  is  held  out  in  the  proinlfes  of  God,  with 
regard  to  the  extent  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom. 
The  prolpe6f  ol  luccefs  in  any  undertaking  al- 
•ways  invigorates  exertion.  W^hen  are  per- 
fuaded  that  our  labor  will  not  be  in  vain,  we  aJ- 
drefs  ourfelvcs  to  it  with  the  utmofl  alacrity. 
Particularly,  with  how  much  confidence  and  iat- 
isfaftion,  do  we  afk  of  our  friends  thole  favors 
which  we  are  alTured,  that  they  are  ready  to 
grant  ? Thus,  therefore,  the  promiles  of  God 
with  regard  to  this  point  ought  lo  to  enliven  the 
hopes  and  raife  the  expe£lations  of  Cbiiltians, 
as  to  excite  to  dail)'  and  fervent  prayer  for  their 
accomplifhment ; nay,  they  ought  to  be  made 
the  very  arguments  which  they  will  plead  upon 
the  occafion,  and  the  grounds  on  which  their  laith 
will  rely.  So  far  from  rcfling  in  an  indolent  le- 
curity,  becaufe  the  faithfulnefs  of  God  has  en- 
gaged to  accomplifh  what  he  has  prelcribed  to 
himfelf  and  revealed  to  his  people,  as  his  deter- 
mined purpofe,  real  Chriftians  are  animated  there- 
by with  greater  vigor  in  prayer.  Far  from  relem- 
bling  thofe  proud  & blind  objeffors,  who  weakly 
imagine  that  belief  in  the  divine  decrees,  fuper- 
cedes  the  neceflity  of  active  exertions  in  thofe 
who  entertain  it,  they  are  by  this  very  circum- 
flance,  engaged  with  greater  eamcflnels  in  feck- 
ing  the  promifed  blelfings.  Whilft  they  arc 
convinced,  that  all  the  promifes  of  God  are  yea 
and  amen  in  Chrifl  jefus  and  (hall  iurely  be  iul- 
filled,  they  believe  it  to  be  a part  of  the  divine 
arrangement  that  “for  all  thele  things  will  God 
be  enquired  of  by  his  people*”.  With  David 

* Exek.  xxrvi.  57. 


[ 29  ] 

thcv'  pray,  “ Remember  the  word  unto  thy  fer- 
vant  upon  which  thou  hall  cauled  me  to  hope*”. 
Like  holy  Daniel,  who  was  infpired  with  rclolu- 
tion  to  pray  for  the  rcUoration  of  jerulalem, 
becaufe  the  time  cxprdsly  promifed,  for  its  ac- 
complifliment  was  anived.t  they  plead  the  pro- 
iiiifc  ; their  language  is,  ‘‘  do  as  thou  haft  faid"  ; 
“ lie  it  unto  the  Church  according  to  thy  word”. 
The  alfurancc  w'hich  they  derive  from  the  divine 
promil'es,  inipires  them  with  fervor,  ftrengthens 
their  refolutions  and  enables  them  to  reft  upon 
the  faithfulnefs  of  (iod. 

How  ought  it,  then,  my  Chriftian  Brethren,  to 
enlarge  our  hearts  in  the  duty  which  is  preferib- 
cd  in  the  text,  and  to  inipire  us  with  hope  and 
expeftation,  when  we  remember  the  extenfive 
promifes  which  are  made,  to  Jefus  as  Mediator? 
Confider  that  though  much  has  been  accomplifti- 
ed,  yet  it  is  ftill  far  fhort  of  what  %ve  are  war- 
ranted from  the  Scriptures,:* to  expeft.  Shall 
we  not  be  infpired  wdth  alacrity,  then,  to  pray 
for  the  coming  on  Chrift’s  kingdom,  when  we 
read  the  following<promi(es  wdth  regard  to  its  en- 
lagement  ? “ He  Ihall  fee  of  the  travail  of  his  foul 
and  be  latisfied|{[” : Afk  of  me,  and  I will  give 

thee,  the  heathen  f6r  thine  inheritance,  and  the 
uttermoft  parts  of  the  earth  for  thy  poirelfionV’ : 
“ I will  give  thee  for  alight  to  the  Gentiles,  that 
thou  mayeft  be  my  falvation  to  the  ends  of  the 
earthll”  : “ Behold  I have  given  him  for  a witnefs 
to  the  people ; a leader  and  commander  to  the 
people.  Behold  thou  flialt  call  a nation  that 

* Pf.  cxix.  49.  + Dan.  Lx.  2,  3.  ^ If.  liii.  ii. 

$ Pf.  ii.  8.  H If.  xlix.  6. 


C 30  ] 

thou  knoweft  not,  and  nations  that  knew  not 
thee,  fhall  run  unto  thee'’*:  “ Sing  and  rejoice 

0 daughter  of  Zion  ; for  lo  I come,  and  will 

dwell  in  the  midfl  of  thee,  faith  the  Lord.  And 
many  nations  fhall  be  joined  to  the  Lord  in  that 
dayt”:  “From  the  rifing  of  the  Sun,  even  to 

the  going  down  of  the  fame,  my  name  fhall  be 
great  amongfl  the  Gentiles,  and  in  every  place, 
incenfe  fhall  be  offered  unto  my  name,  and  a 
pure  offering ; for  my  name  fhall  be  great  among, 
the  heathen,  faith  the  Lord  of  Hoftst”;  “ The 
kingdoms  of  this  world  are  become  the  kingdoms 
of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Chrifl ; and  he  fhall  reign 
forever  and  ever^”. 

5.  Another  confiderationof  the  utmofl  weight 
ariles  from  the  exprefs  command  of  Chnfl  him- 
felf.  “ After  this  manner”  faid  Jefus,  pray  ye 
— thy  kingdom  come!”  And  fhall  not  his  vene- 
rable will  be  facred  to  Chriflians  ? Will  they  not 
be  ever  ready  to  render  him  a prompt  obedi- 
ence ? Let  the  Have,  whole  relu>5lant  foul  fhrinks 
from  the  talk  which  hejiates,  and  from  the  ty- 
rant who  impofes  it,  refufe  fubmiffion  wherever 
he  can  hope  to  efcape  with  impunity;  but  the 
language  of  your  hearts,  I trufl,  my  brethren, 
will  be  very  different.  With  your  l.ord,  upon 
another  occafion,  you  will  cry,  “ To  do  thy  will 

1 take  delight”.  With  the  declaration  of  the 
Apofllc  you  will  chearfully  agree,  that  “ you 
arc  not  your  own,  but  bought  with  a price”, 
therefore,  to  glorify  your  redeemer  by  difcharg- 
ing  the  duties  which  he  prefcribes,  fhall  be  the 

* If.  Iv.  4,  j.  f Zech.  ii.  10,  ii.  J Mai.  i.  zz. 

J Rev.  xi.  15. 


[ 31  3 


unremitting  Oudy  of  your  lives.  You  will  re* 
col!e6l  alfo,  that  the  eternal  God,  by  an  infpir- 
cd  Prophet  hath  faid,  “ \e  that  make  mention 
of  the  Lord,  keep  not  filence  ; and  give  him  no 
reft,  'till  he  cftablifti,  and  'till  he  make  Jerufalem 
a praife  in  the  earth*".  “ Aflc  of  me  things  to 
come  concerning  my  fons,  and  concerning  the 
work  of  my  hands  command  ye  met".  Let  the 
awful  mandate  of  Jehovah  arreft  your  attention 
and  roufe  you  to  atlivity  : then,  may  we  expefl 
that  “ the  fet  time  to  favor  Zion  may  be  come, 
when  God’s  fervants,  in  obedience  to  his  com- 
mand, take  pleafure  in  her  ftones,  and  favor  the 
duft  thereof];". 

6.  The  laft  confideratlon  which  I ftiall  fuggeft 
as  an  inducement  to  pray  earnellly  that  Chnft’s 
kingdom  may  come,  is  the  prolpc61;  that  arifes 
from  the  prefent  afpecl  of  providence,  and  “ the 
figns  ot  the  Times.”  W'^hen  we  perceive  by 
comparing  the  prefent  ftate  of  the  world  with 
the  predidlions  which  have  pointed  to  it,  that 
the  events  fo  long  expefted  by  the  moft  pious 
obfervers  of  the  coude  of  providence  and  the 
moft  judicious  interpreters  of  the  Scripture, 
are  haftening  on ; it  becomes  us  to  co-operate 
by  earneft  prayer,  with  the  other  agencies  which 
God  is  pleafed  to  employ  in  a'ccomplifhincr  his 
defigns^-  If  ..the  predi61icns  of  the  infpired  pro- 
phets led  Daniel  to  feek  their  fulfilment,  at  the 
expetled  time,  by  importunity  in  prayer;  if  the 
devout  jews  were  induced,  by  the  indications 
of  providence,  compared  with  the  prophecies 
in  their  facred  books,  to  continue  waiting  at 

If.  Ixii.  6,  7.  f If.  xlv.  II.  J Pf.  cii.-  i^,  14, 


[ 32  ] 

the  temple,  with  continual  fuppjication,  for  the 
manifellation  of  the  long-expe6led  Mdfiah ; 
furely  we,  my  brethren,  may  with  great  propri- 
ety be  employed  in  the  fame  exercife  at  the  pre- 
lent period.  Without  entering  here  into  a mi- 
nute and  ufelefs  detail  of  obfervations,  let  it  be 
oblerved  only,  that  an  expeftation,  almoll  uni- 
verfal,  has  long  been  entertained  in  the  Church, 
of  prodigious  increafe,  and  remarkable  purity 
as  about  to  take  place  in  the  kingdom  of  Chrill 
at  the  latter  days,  \vhich  are  fuppofed  to  be  now 
at  hand.  This  expc6lation  has  been  tounded, 
chiefly,  upon  the  predi6lions  in  the  book  of  Re- 
velations, confirmed  and  explained  by  the  hillo- 
ry  of  the  v/orld  and  the  Church.  Tho’  luch  of 
them  as  relate  to  events  winch  are  yet  to  take 
place,  be  covered  with  the  ufual  veil  ’till  the  de- 
flined  period  of  their  accomplillnnent  arrive  ; 
yet  v/ith  regard  to  the  reft,  there  appears  to  have 
been  inch  a ftriking  correfpondence  between  them 
and  certain  important  events  to  which  they  are 
fuppoled  to  refer,  as  to  produce  a remarkable  co- 
incidence of  opinion  amongft  divines  in  making 
the  application.  In  tracing  this  correfpondence, 
between  the  prophecies  and  their  accomplifh- 
ment,  the  moft  judicious  commentators  have  con- 
cluded, that  the  preditled  period  is  at  length 
nearly  arrived*,  in  which  the  Antichriftian  cor- 

* From  a view  and  comparlfon  of  the  fccnes  deferib- 
cd  in  the  book  of  Revelations,  it  appears  probable,  that 
the  judgments  of  God,  inflided  for  a long  fucccflion  of 
years,  during  the  founding  ol  fix  out  of  the  feven  trum- 
pets which  denounced  them,  have  been  completed  a very 
confiderable  time  fince ; and  therefore,  that  \vc  may  cx- 
ped  the  events  under  the  feventh  trumpet,  will  foon  be 


t S3  ] 

fuptions  and  tyranny  of  Popery  ; and  therxtra- 
ordinan'  influence  of  Mahometan  deluhon  fliall 
be  efFcftually  deftrdyed.  The  recent  tranfac- 
tions  on  the  EaRern  continent  Teem  to  favor  this 
opinion  ; and  we  are  animated  with  the  hope  that 
thofe  great  obflacles  to  llic  advancement  of 
Chrifl’s  kingdom  will  be  fpeedily  removed. 

W'hen  the  triumphant  wickednefs  andoppref- 
fions  of  thefe  enemies  to  the  truth,  Avhich  have 
been  (b  long  myfterioufly  permuted  to  e.^ifl, 
fhall  be  brought  to  a concluiion!  then  may  we 
cxpefl  the  rapid  advancement  of  the  kingdom 
of  our  Lord  and  Savior.  When  God  *•  by  ter- 
rible things  in  righteoufnefs  is  pouring  out  his 
wrath  upon  thole  enemies  that  have  been  often 
“ drunk  with  the  blood  of  the  Saints,”  and  un- 
folding thole  fcencs  that  are  to  precede  the  hap- 
py time  •vvhen  “ the  kingdoms  of  this  world  fliaU 
become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  his 
Chrifl,”  we  may  rejoiccin  the  e.xpeffaiion  that  the 
day  of  redemption  draweth  ni^h.  Whillt  we  la- 
ment, on  one  hand,  the  fearful  deftruclion  of  hu- 
man beings  which  has  taken  place  ; and  the  peace 
and  profperity  of  To  many  nations,  fatally  inter- 
rupted or  ruined  ; we  may  on  the  other,  pierce 
the  dark  cloud  with  joyful  faith,  anddifeovera 
boundlefs  prolpetl  of  iinivcrl'al  liberty,  univerfal 
reformation  and  univerfal  peace.  Tru fling  that 
the  Almighty  God  will  give  a happy  iffue  in  fa- 
vor of  his  Church,  to  the  prefent  commotions  ; 
we  ought  to  exercife  ourfelves  to  godlinefs,  to 
fleadfafl  hope  and  diligent  prayer.  ^^'hat  tho* 

E 

fulfilled  alfo.  Thefe  arc  generally  allowed  to  intend  the 
deIlru£tioa  of  Popery  and  Mahometanilm. 


[ 84  ] 


* Infidelity  be  employed  as  the  inflrument  to 
root  out  the  deep  rooted  prejudices  of  fuperfli- 
tion  and  delufion,  God  “ will  make  the  wrath 
of  man  to  praife  him”,  and  caufe  the  pure  rays 
of  Gofpel-truth,  to  pervade  the  dark  habitations 
of  the  earth.  The  convulfions  in  Europe  are 
indeed  terrible  ; thrones  and  kings,  and  kingdoms 
are  rufhing  to  their  fate  ; the  potlhrcds  of  the 
earth  are  dafhed  againft  each  other  to  mutual  de- 
flruftion  and  the  man  of  fin  has  fallen  from  his 
inviolable  throne  in  the  Ihock  ; but  in  the  midll 
of  all  the fe  revolutions,  Chridians  in  that  hemi- 
fphere  are  watching,  praying  and,  with  united, 
efforts,  planning  new  meafures  for  extending 
their  mafter's  kingdom.  They  are  awaking 
as  from  a fleep  of  many  generations.  The  fpi- 
rit  of  primitive  Chriftianity  appears  to  revive  in 
the  Mifiionary  bufinefs.  Party  fpirit  has  become 
extinfl  in  that  important  concern ; and  the  pious, 
of  various  denominations  and  in  very  diftant 
places,  appear  to  a€l;  with  an  unanimity  and 
concert  before  unknown.  In  our  own  countiy, 
a fmall  portion  of  the  fame  zeal  and  liberal 
Chriflianity  has  animated  a number  of  the  friends 
of  [efus  Clirifl  and  of  mankind.  Our  brethren 
of  the  Mew- York  Mifiionary  Society,  coinpofed 
of  various  denominations  of  Chrifiians,  have 
led  the  way  in  concerting  common  meafures  for 
extending  the  knovvdege  and  the  benefits  of  the 

* The  Vchabis  in  Arabia  are  a new  fe6l  of  Infidel? 
who  apjiear  to  aim  at  the  fubverfiou  of  the  Mahometan 
fyfiem  of  <lefpotifm  and  delufion  : and  Frencli  Atheifts 
and  Delfls  will  probably  accomplilh  the  utter  dcllrutkion 
of  Popilli  fuperllitiou. 


C 35  } 

Gofpel  to  our  denitute  frontiers,  and  the  neigh- 
boring Savages.  Is  not  all  this  an  excitement  to 
aftivity  on  our  part,  my  brethren,  proportioned 
to  the  magnitude  of  the  obje6l  which  is  propofed 
to  our  vieav  ? And  does  it  not  hold  out  a prof- 
pc£l  which  ought  to  awaken  a redoubled  earneft- 
nefs  in  prayer;  and  indeed  in  all  other  meal  arcs 
which  are  naturally  conne6led  with  this  duty,  if 
we  would  be  confident  with  ourfelves  in  ufing 
the  petition  contained  in  the  text? 

III.  To  point  out  thofe  meafures  which  will 
bell  demonflrate  cur  fincerity  in  the  praftice  of 
this  duty,  is  the  lad  thing  which  is  propofed  in 
the  prefent  difcotirfe. 

It  is  not  enough  that  we  wiHi  and  pray,  we 
are  alfo  called  to  a£I,  with  vigor,  a part,  which 
fliall  fhew  that  we  are  in  earned.  We  betray 
an  appearance  of  infincerity  if  we  befeech  God 
to  advance ;the  Redeem.er’s  kingdom,  and  yet 
contribute  no  affive  indrumentality  towards  it 
in  our  refpe^live  Rations. 

1.  The  fird  thing  which  I take  the  liberty  to 
fugged,  upon  this  fubjeft,  is,  that  we  labor, 
with  the  utmod  earnednefs,  to  have  thofe  impe- 
diments correfted  in  ourfelves,  or  entirely  re- 
moved which  have  been  already  noticed  as  inju- 
rious to  the  intereds  of  Chrid’s  kingdom.  I 
here  take  it  for  granted  that  we  are  in  reality  the 
willing  fubjefts  of  that  kingdom  ; becaufe  it 
would  be  a folecifm  in  religion  to  fuppofe  that 
we  can  be  truly  in  earned  in  our  prefent  un- 
dertaking without  this.  If  then,  we  defire  to 
pray  confidently  for  the  advancement  of  Chrif- 
tianity,  arid  would  demondrate  our  fincerity  in 


C 36  ] 


this  praftice,  we  are  bound  to  a6t,  as  becomes 
its  privileged  profeflors.  We  are  bound,  to  ex- 
prefs  by  our  condu6l  before  all  the  world,  that 
we  are  deeply  fenhble  of  the  importance  of  tliofc 
<jbje6ts  which  the  Gofpei  reveals  to  our  faith. 

For  this  purpofe,  it  becomes  us  to  avrake  from 
lethargy  and  negligence  as  to  perfonal  exercifes 
in  religion;  to  renounce  vanity  and  levity  which 
are  fo  very  unfuitable  to  the  ruinous  condition 
of  the  world  around  us  ; and  toabllain  not  on-  t 

ly  from  evil,  but  even  from  the  appearance  of 
evil.  It  becomes  us  to  live  daily  by  faith  upon 
the  ion  of  God  ; to  realize  the  lubllance  which 
he  has  revealed  ; to  a6l  under  a perception  of 
the  demonflration  which  he  has  given  of  things 
unfeen  ; and  to  maintain  habitual  intercourte 
with  the  throne  of  God’s  grace  thro'  him.  It 
becomes  us  to  cherifh  the  liabits  of  a6iive  righ- 
teoufnels  ; to  live  foberly,  righteoufly  and 
godly  in  the  prefent  evil  world  ; to  preferve 
conlcienccs  void  of  olfence  to  God  and  man  ; to 
be  earnefl,  diligent,  and  perfevering  in  attending 
to  all  duties.  We  ought  to  lacrihce  partial  and 
local  views  ; to  difclaim  all  felfilh  purpofes  in 
our  coalition  ; to  exalt  our  Savior  only  ; and 
to  vie  with  each  other  principally  in  the  degree 
of  love  and  iervice  which  we  will  devote  to 
him.  In  a word,  pra6fical  Godlinefs  is  our  pro- 
lelfion  and  our  bulinels  ; and  we  ought  to  be  ^ 

claily  exerciled  in  maintaining  a watchlul  habit 
of  it  in  the  foul  ; and  in  exhibiting  betore  the 
world,  the  power  and  influence  of  the  Crofs  of 
Chrift. 

2.  It  is  our  duty,  by  counfcl,  exhortation, 
and  example,  to  endeavor  to  rclcuc  as  many  of 


[ 37  ] 

our  fellow  creatures  as  poffible  from  the  domini- 
on of  fin  and  to  prevail  v/ith  them  to  devote 
themlelvcs  to  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.  Do  wc 
pray  for  tlie  pcrifliing  world,  and  fhall  we,  un- 
concerned, fee  them  finking  into  ruin  before  us  ? 
Rather  fhall  we  not  be  ready  to  warn  every  man, 
and  bear  a tellimony  for  God  againft  the  fins  of 
men  ? 

Let  thofe  of  us,  then,  who  are  Minifters  of 
Chrift,  and  flewards  of  the  inyfleries  of  his 
4 kingdom,  labor  in  feafon  and  out  of  feafon  ; 
and  preach  the  Gofpel  of  the  kingdom  of  God, 
as  thofe  who  feel  the  weight  of  everlafling 
things  ; as  tliofe  who  believe  the  intercfling 
truths  which  we  preach  to  others.  Let  us  re- 
nounce efteminacy,  ami  be  afhamed  of  indulg- 
ing floth  and  eafe  in  the  fer\’ice  of  fuch  a maf- 
ter  and  in  promoting  fuch  a caufe.  Let  us 
preach  the  fimplc  truth  of  the  Gofpel ; that  is, 
Chnll  and  him  crucified  ; let  us  deny  ourlelves 
as  to  the  reputation  which  we  might  derive  from 
the  meretricious  ornaments  of  mere  philofophy 
and  that  trick  of  words,  which  betrays  rather  a 
defire  to  fhine,  than  to  enforce  truth  upon 
the  mind  or  glorify  our  Redeemer.  Let  us 
addrefs  the  heart;  let  us  never  trifle  with  the 
mofl  important  of  all  fubjefts  ; nor  fpeak  w'ith 
frigid  apathy  of  thofe  fublime  truths  which 
ought  to  fill  the  whole  foul,  and  enforce  a con-' 
vi£tion  of  their  divine  original.  Let  the  Gof- 
pel ot  Jefus  our  Mafler  be  the  grand  fource  from 
whence  we  fhall  derive  our  motives  and  arf^u- 
ments  ih  preaching.  Let  us,  with  prudent, 
nay,  if  necelfary,  with  ftern  inflexibility,  exercife 
the  difeipiine  ot  his  kingdom  ; and  beware  of 
E a 


C 38  3 

attempting  to  render  the  religion  of  Chrift  a pli- 
ant fydem,  which  will  occafionally  bend  to  fuit 
the  corrupt  tafte  of  wicked  men.  Let  us  never, 
never  confider  the  Miniftry  of  the  Gofpel  as  a 
mere  mechanical  bufinefs,  to  which  the  common 
maxims  and  praftice  of  men  may  be  applied  ; 
but  let  us  view  it  in  the  awful  light  of  a Savor 
of  divine  life  or  eternal  death  ; as  the  power  of 
God  to  the  Salvation  of  thofe  who  believe,  or 
his  living  teftimony  againfl  his  loft  and  impeni- 
tent foes.  Jn  a word,  let  us  live  as  we  preach  ; 
fo  that  all  may  “ take  knowlege  of  us  that  we 
have  been  with  Jefus"  ; and  that  our  example 
correfponding  with  our  precepts,  may  be  a 
continual  admonition  to  the  ungodly. 

And  let  private  Chriftians  be  a£five  in  their 
refpeftive  fpheres  with  their  families,  friends  and 
neighbors.  Let  them  not  be  afhamed  of  the 
Crofs,  but  bear  it  patiently  and  nobly,  as  good 
foldiers  of  Jefus  Chrift.  Let  them  pun£lually 
and  confcientioufly  attend  to  the  means  of  pre- 
ferv'ing  the  Inftitutions  of  religion  in  their  va- 
nous  departments  and  of  fupporting  with  vigor 
the  purity  of  Chriftian  difcipline. 

Let  us  all  remember  the  example  of  Jefus 
and  the  labors  of  his  Apoftles  and  primitive  dif- 
ciples.  Let  us  remember  the  chara6ter  and  con- 
duct of  thofe  holy  men,  whom  his  love  con- 
ftrained  ; who  faw  his  glory  as  the  glory  of  the 
only  begotten  of  the  father,  full  of  grace  and  truth ; 
and  who  therefore,  buvft  thro'  every  difficultyfor 
liis  fake.  Lt  t us  follow  the  footftepsof  thofe  who 
through  viftorious  faith  overcame  the  world  ; 
confeifed  themfelves  pilgrims  and  llrangers  and 
counted  not  their  property  valuable,  nor  even 


[ 39  ] 

their  lives  dear,  when  their  mailer’s  caiifc  and 
interellw.is  at  Hake. 

3.  In. the  lail  place,  if  we  would  dcmonflratc 
or.r  fincerity  in  ufin;.;  this  prayer,  we  Ihouidhon- 
eUly  and  zeaiouHy  unite  and  clieartully  co-ope- 
rate with  our  fellow  ciiritlians  in  purluing  extra- 
ordinary or  peculiar  me.diircs  lor  attaining  its  ob- 
jett.  d'liere  cannot  be  a 'greater  inconfi Hence,  than 
to  pray  as  many  do,  in  their  Hated  devotions,  “ thy 
Ivingdom  come”,  and  yet  excite  malignant  oppo- 
sition to  every  plan  lor  extraordinary  exertion 
in  promoting  its  advancement.  Therefore,  let 
not  pride;  or party-lpirit,  or  pcrfonal jealoufies, 
or  contentious  humor  be  pennitted  to  thwart  the 
prelent  coalition  of  ChriHians  and  their  united 
endeavors  to  promote  the  intcrells  of  religion. 
What  though  every  meafure  may  not  he  exatlly 
luited  to  our  wiHies  ; what  though  we  may  not 
all  agree  in  certain  circumHances  of  our  religious 
profellion  ; or,  what  though  others  may  have 
Jed  the  way.  before  foine  of  us,  in  attempting  to 
e.xcite  the  piety  and  zeal  of  their  fellow  ChriHi- 
ans  : flioulJ  we  on  lucli  accounts,  refufe  to  aid 
in  an  attempt  wich  evidently  aims  at  fupporting 
the  caulc  of  ChriH  P Should  we  retufe  10  unite 
with  any,  in  lawful  endeavors,  who  wifli  to  fee  a 
crown  of  univerl'al  glory  placed  upon  the  Savi- 
or’s head  ? 

What  a contemptible  mind;  nay,  what  a 
wicked  mind  muH  that  profelfor  of  ChriHianity 
poHels,  who  would  labor  to  dilcourage  even  fee- 
ble exertions  for  promoting  the  kingdom  of 
ChriH  ! How  malicious  is  the  temper  of  thofc 
who  call  themlelves  ChriHians  or  MiniHers,  and 
yet  oppofe  all  thole  pious  ailociatioiis,  which  are 


[ 40  ] 


calculated  to  ^ive  energy  to  the  means  of  diTullng 
Chriftian'  kwowiege  and  to  promote  Union 
amongft  divided  brethren  ! It  is  to  be  prefumed, 
my  Chriftian  friends,  that  none  of  us  will  im- 
bibe or  cherifti  any  portion  of  fo  rank  a fpirit 
of  Satan.  It  is  to  be  prefumed  that  %ve  will 
cordially  co-operate,  with  ?dl  our  fellow  Chrift  i- 
ans,  who  love  the  Lord  jefus  Chrift  in  fincerity, 
in  their  laudable  attempts  to  revive  the  fpirit  of 
Apoftolic  zeal  and  fend  the  Gofpel  to  ail  nations. 

We  cannot,  it  is  true,  embrace  the  whole  world 
within  the  Inhere  of  our  labors,  as  we  may  with- 
in that  of  our  wifties  ; yet  we  may  purfue  fuch 
active  mealures  as  may  be  within  our  reach,  to 
advance  the  Redeem  er's  kingdom  ; we  may  be 
ufefully  employed  in  the  inftruffion  and  refor- 
mation of  a part  of  mankind.  The  deftitute 
frontier  fettleincnts,  and  the  favage  Indian 
tribes,  are  aie  not  only  members  of  the  fame 
ruined  race  with  ourfelves,  but  they  are  our 
neighbors  ; and  their  fituation  obtrudes  itfelf 
more  immediately  upon  our  minds.  Let  us  then 
attempt  to  fecure  their  Salvation  by  leading  them 
to  Jefus,  whofe  office  it  is  to  feek  and  ftive  the 
loft.  Thofe  precious  fouls  are  perifhing  in 
countlefs  numbers  ; and  the  empire  of  fin  leems 
to  be  eftablilhed  amongil  them  .with  unlimited 
fway.  Let  it  be  our  noble  ambition  to  counteract 
this  dreadful  influence.  For  this  purpofe,  let  us 
attempt  to  feleCt  pious  and  aClive  difciples  of  our 
Lord,  united  in  the  great  principles  of  his  di- 
vine fy  ftem  and  willing  to  endure  hadfliips  for  the 
fake  of  extending  his  kingdom,  whom  we  may  em- 
ploy as  Miffionaries  to  preach  the  Gofpel  amongft 
them.  Let  us  fearch  for  men  who  are  mortified  to 


[ 4>  ] 

tbo  world  and  willing  to  put  every  thing  to  hazard 
for  Chrill’s  Cake.  Let  us  rejeft  with  honeft  in- 
dignation, the  idea  of  maintaining  ufelefs  drones, 
much  Icfs,  worthlefs,  vicious  men  in  Millions, 
defigned  to  convert  the  heathen  and  others  al- 
molf  as  deflitute  of  the  means  ol  religious  know- 
lege,  to  the  felf-denial  and  holincfs  of  the  Gol- 
pcl.  I.et  us  ill  this  Evangelical  hufinefs,  beware 
of  weak  and  vain  attempts  at  ple.ifing  the  tafte, 
or  confulting  the  views  of  men  of  corrupt,  car- 
nal minds.  Let  us  raife  the  necefl'ary  funds  for 
fufp  orting  Millionaries,  from  the  contributions 
of  rhe  pious  and  liberal  ; reminding  all  Chrilli- 
ans,  that  their  Mafler,  tho’  rich,  yet  for  their 
fakes  bec.uTie  poor  ; and  that  to  offer  freely  of 
their  fubflancc  in  promoting  his  caule,  is  the 
leall  which  they  can  do  as  an  exprellion  of  their 
gratitude.  Let  it  be  our  grand,  habitual  object 
as  ChrilHans,  to  promote  the  glory  of  God;  and 
in  confulting  this,  let  us  endeavor  to  fpread  the 
kingdom  of  righteoufnefs,  and  peace,  amongfh 
the  poor  and  deflitute  who  are  ready  to  pcrifli  in 
their  fins,  on  our  frontiers,  and  in  the  unculti- 
vated forcfls  of  America.  In  the  good  provi- 
dence of  God  the  Inflitution  of  this  Society  is 
propofed,  for  arconiplifliing  this  benevolent  pur- 
pofe.  Every  pious  heart  mufl  wifh  well  to  a co- 
alition of  Chriflians  in  fuch  a caufe,  and  contri- 
bute towards  the  attainment  of  its-  objeft.  Per- 
haps the  temporal  and  eternal  happinefs  of  mil- 
lions of  God's  rational  creatures  may  be  con- 
nedfed  with  the*  fuccefs  of  this  Inflitution  ; and 
fhall  any  feeling  heart  withold  its  countenance 
;md  aid  ! Neither  our  exertions,  nor  our  fuccefs 
may  be  great,  at  firft ; yet  at  length  they  may 


C 42  ] ’ 

exceed  all  pvefent  calculation  ; and  the  falvatioti 
0^004  beient,  thro’  our  aoe.cy  to  the  erjds 
of  the  earth.  God  will  raile,  and  quality  m- 
ftruments  for  carrying  into  etFe6l  his  gracious 
purpofes  ; and  will  engage  proper  oj 

his  glorious  caufe.  Let  us  befeech  »o 
nor  us  fo  far  as  to  give  us  a p.ace  amongtl  thefe 
and  infpire  us  with  the  Spirit  of  fuch  a ier- 

' ^Tconclude  with  offering  up  my  vows  to  God. 
tor  the  profperity  of  this  Society  an 
couragement  of  the  Churcii  of  J 

exertions.  May  a tuccefs  tranfcending  oar 
^off  fanguine  be  the  f nut  of  our 

"ounfels^and  our^rayers  ! May  the  happy 
period  foon  approach  when  the  lj^eat..en  fnail 
Lcoine  the  hentage  of  Jefus  and  the  u termoff 
parts  of  the  earth,  his  fure  pohdhon  . 

Amen. 


finis. 


